Craig Cathcart felt deflated after Watford’s goalless draw with Preston North End at Vicarage Road, admitting the Hornets are struggling to find a cutting edge in the Sky Bet Championship.
Returning after a month out through a groin injury, Cathcart expressed his delight at being back in the fold, and confirmed his second-half departure was a result of cramp rather than anything more sinister.
The Northern Ireland international saw an improvement from the Golden Boys in the second period after a slow start, and was disheartened to have not come away victorious.
“We’re very frustrated,” the defender began. “In the first half we were a bit slow with second balls, we didn’t really get going but in the second half we were much better.
“We created a few chances but to come away without three points again today is very disappointing.
“It’s hard to put a finger on it at the minute because we do get close to the goal and in and around the opposition box, but things just aren’t really going our way. We might need something to deflect in and build some momentum. It’s frustrating, but we’ll take a point and move on, try to do better next game.”
Cathcart was on the bench for last Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at the hands of Sheffield United (February 25), but hadn’t featured since the Reading draw at the start of last month. Pleased to have made his return, the 34-year-old is now keen to return to full fitness over the next week before a trip to Queens Park Rangers (Saturday March 11, 3pm KO).
“I’m getting old, was playing right-back and it was the first game back from my injury so it probably all took its toll a bit, but that’s one of those things,” continued Cathcart.
“I’ve been back in training for maybe a week now, I’m feeling better but just need to build that fitness up.”
With goals missing over the last two games, Cathcart and his teammates will look to take the upsides of the Preston performance into the fixture in west London.
Added Cathcart: “We’ll try to take the positives from today’s game, especially in the second-half performance, try to improve and score goals to get the three points.”
